There are many kinds of naturalization records. To locate a specific record, select a time range from the guide menu.
- Court Minute and Order Books
Court clerks kept records of all actions that came before the court, including naturalizations. Minute books are rough copies; order books are final copies and more likely to be indexed. Each clerk had his own methods, but the records of those who were naturalized are generally indexed by the name of the individual, and there may be a notation next to the name specifying that it is a naturalization record.
- Declaration of Intention (First Papers)
Between 1795 and 1952, a Declaration of Intention was the first step of the naturalization process. Prior to 1906, it was recorded in a court order book, and a copy may also be included in a locality’s loose papers. After 1906, it was recorded in a separate book that was issued by the federal government, and a copy might also be included with the paperwork for a petition for naturalization. This step could be omitted by those who served in World War I and World War II.
- Petition for Naturalization (Second Papers)
Between 1795 and 1952, a Petition for Naturalization was the second and final step of the naturalization process. Prior to 1906, it was recorded in a court order book, and a copy might also be included in a county’s loose papers. After 1906, it was recorded in a separate book that was issued by the federal government.
- Certificate of Arrival
Beginning in 1906, certificates of arrival were filed with petitions for naturalization. These certificates proved legal entry into the United States. Information was drawn from original passenger lists.
- Certificate of Naturalization/Stub Book
After an individual was naturalized, he or she received a certificate of naturalization. By 1906, the certificates were provided to local courts in books that had perforated pages. The clerk could retain a portion of the document for the court's records, and the immigrant received the certificate. The certificates themselves can be found in collections of personal papers, although some may be included with other naturalization paperwork submitted to the court.
